Severe Weather Alerts Issued as Meteorologists Investigate Tornado Suspicions

Germany is bracing for severe weather conditions this Sunday, with meteorologists warning of potential thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds affecting various regions across the country. The German Weather Service (DWD) has particularly highlighted concerns for the southern and eastern parts of the nation.

As thunderstorms develop, the DWD has indicated that the western regions will be the first to experience adverse weather, with the storms moving towards the central areas and eventually impacting the south and east later in the afternoon. Rainfall amounts could reach up to 40 liters per square meter within a short period, with some areas anticipating over 60 liters in just a few hours. Hailstones could measure up to three centimeters in diameter, alongside wind gusts potentially reaching speeds of 100 kilometers per hour.

In a related development, the DWD is currently investigating reports of a suspected tornado in the Paderborn region, specifically in the municipality of Altenbeken. Initial media reports suggest that a tornado may have caused damage, but the DWD has yet to confirm these claims and is actively looking into the situation.

Prior to the storms, temperatures in the eastern and southeastern parts of Germany are expected to soar, ranging from 30 to 34 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the western and northwestern areas will experience cooler temperatures, peaking at only 20 to 24 degrees.

The threat of severe weather is projected to persist into the night, particularly for the eastern and southeastern regions, where thunderstorms may continue. However, these storms are expected to move eastward during the latter half of the night, leading to a significant drop in temperatures, which could fall to between 17 and 8 degrees Celsius.

Emergency services have been active in various parts of Germany since Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday, responding to numerous incidents related to severe thunderstorms. In North Rhine-Westphalia, particularly in Paderborn, emergency personnel have dealt with multiple situations, including flooded basements. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, according to a police spokesperson in Paderborn.

The heavy rainfall has also caused structural issues, such as the partial collapse of a production hall roof due to water accumulation. Additionally, the Paderborn hospital has experienced water ingress, leading to limitations in elevator operations. The university campus in Paderborn has also suffered damage from the adverse weather conditions.